To those done with religion but not God and my kids (Click FOLLOW for future Posts; See ABOUT/USING THIS SITE tab to navigate Site)

Archive for November, 2008

Regardless of who you voted for in 2008 to lead our nation these next four years, we must be hopeful about one thing at least. As a young boy I grew up where adults seemed clueless just how morally deprived it was to not be utterly disgusted that people of different colors were actually made to drink from different water fountains or use separate public facilities. Obviously, not enough people in this supposed great nation of ours were disgusted enough to not allow such a symbol of bigotry and non-acceptance of the equality of all peoples. “Peoples” is really a misnomer. The truth is if you believe in a Creator and the biblical account of creation, there is no such thing as different peoples or races. There is only one human race if you believe God created the first man and woman, whom from ultimately all are born. This idea of different races, which allows bigots to suggest their race is superior, is born of a godless view of the world. Electing a black man to be our leader doesn’t right all wrongs, but it should give us hope that this nation is moving in the right direction of not judging one according to their color.

Having said that, it is difficult to understand how a man who graduated from Harvard Law School cannot have an opinion about abortion. Whether he likes it or not, there are moral absolutes or there would be no need for laws. He claims to be a man of faith, which requires he take a stand on matters that potentially concern life and death. There is evidence a beating heart can be detected before that supposed blob is even been conceived for a month. It can be defended that those little infants can experience pain very early on. Still, he is our President and we would do well to take heed from the man who conceded so elegantly.

One last thing about politics. How distasteful is the whole process? Candidates spend hundreds of millions of dollars to be elected. Surely, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize there is a better use of that money in a world where people are starving. Cannot we limit the amount of monies allowed to be spent in representing your case to be elected? Secondly, will there ever be a politician who will run on their own record and not spend the majority of their words on what is wrong with the other candidates. To treat each others the way many candidates do when running for office, and then at the end act like everything is alright, is not a world I understand. In my world when someone treats me as candidates do one another, reconciliation of words is necessary before healing can take place. Are there not more tasteful ways to agree to disagree than the current process? I long for the candidate who runs more of a positive campaign. The problem though is that may not be what wins elections. Who is to share the blame? The people who vote of course. Candidates run negative campaigns because that is what gets votes!

This morning on my way to work I watched some geese fly overhead, heading south presumably for the winter. Regardless of where they were heading, I was struck by their orderliness and teamwork. As I continued on, I was surrounded by the fall colors and the majesty of the earth this time of year. Evidence of His reality is everywhere. Evidence abounds that their is a design to the creation of the world, of human life, of every natural thing. And evidence also abounds that we humans, not God, are the ones who have completely screwed things up, causing untold numbers of tragedies that maim and kill and ruin people’s lives. All it takes is a little looking around to realize our own smallness and God’s greatness, yet very few of us bother to look around or think about these matters.

It is so true! During times of evil and suffering, we are quick to blame God and not look inwardly. It seems few care to engage in discussions about issues that are really important in life. Ever tried to initiate a spiritual discussion like you would about a good movie. I have this pent up passion in my heart that few care to think about, much less discuss. Why do some look inwardly and others don’t? Those of us who look inwardly don’t dare well-up with too much pride because of our so many personal shortcomings, must less God’s desired expectations for us that are always in our best interest. I dare not be too judgmental. Would I be a spiritually apathetic person were it not for my parents?

Though I have spent half of my life writing in hopes of convincing others one day that God may not be their problem, that God may not be the distorted image they have of their Creator, the truth of the matter is many don’t pursue a relationship with God for reasons others than questions about His nature or character. Many simply are passive rather than active pursuers of spiritual truth for whatever reason. Most of us are just spiritually lazy. Spiritual apathy is the human plague. There is a prevailing lack of God-consciousness in our culture. As mentioned, ever noticed how it is easier to invite or tell a friend about a great movie rather than invite them to church or discuss God. Send out an invitation to your church as opposed to another event and see how people react differently. It is true many people may fear a friend is trying to change them by inviting them to a church rather than a movie, but notice the difference in a discussion about an earthly versus spiritual matter. Both are reasonable for discussion but many are uncomfortable talking about spiritual matters, even if not being coerced to believe a certain way.

Why don’t we prepare for death? It is inevitable, one hundred percent of the time, that we will all die one day. What don’t we consider NOW our purpose here on this earth. Most will contemplate these matters on their deathbed. Perhaps one may be apathetic or uninterested in God because of their relationship with their earthly father or mother growing up. One may assume their heavenly Parent is like their earthly parent, that God is a reflection of their earthly parents, rather than the perfection of their earthly parents. God is the perfect Parent, the parent we all understand and wish we could be toward our children. Earthly parents often physically or sexually abuse their children. Earthly parents often give gifts with strings attached. Earthly parents often fail to apology for their mistakes. Earthly parents often live their dreams through their children rather than accept and appreciate their uniqueness. No matter our childhood, we must come to realize our parents are not God and God is not necessarily like our Parents.